The Jamaican hitman has scored five goals in two games since putting pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal and insists he has never been happier.

That’s bad news for the rest of the Championship after Fuller’s three goals ripped apart West Brom’s title credentials.

He said: “When I’m happy, I score more goals – and I’m very happy right now.

“Happiness and comfort are two of the most important things in a footballer’s life – that’s when he doesn’t have anything to worry about and can just contribute 150 per cent on what he has to do.”

The former Preston and Southampton striker, 28, has found a new lease of life since moving to the Britannia Stadium 16 months ago and putting an injury-plagued period of his career behind him.

He said: “I’ve been unlucky with injuries all my life but I’m glad I’m not a quitter because if I was, I wouldn’t be where I am now. My game is judged on scoring goals and if I’m not on the pitch, I can’t score.

“So, coming to Stoke was a good decision for me and I’m glad I did because it’s paying off. But I never had any doubt it would.

“Money’s important but it’s not everything to me. I don’t work to live, I live to play football.”

Albion couldn’t live with Fuller, who once had a trial at The Hawthorns, as he scored twice before half-time and completed his first hat-trick midway through the second half.

Roman Bednar raised false hopes of a late revival by the former league leaders but Baggies boss Tony Mowbray knew his side were well beaten.

Fuller’s foil for two of his goals was strike partner Mamady Sidibe, who said: “Ricardo’s new contract is good news because we are keeping the squad together and that’s what we need to do to push on to the Premier League.

“He’s a very important player for us and it’s a joy to play with him. If I could score a few more goals to keep up with him I’d be very happy!”

Mowbray, meanwhile, tried not to sound like Mr Angry after watching his side knocked out of their stride.

“We controlled the game for long spells but struggled to handle Fuller and gave away bad goals,” he said.

“There’s no right way or wrong way to play this game but at least our players followed the philosophies we instill into them every day in training.”

Bednar added: “We thought there might have been a handball for their first goal, and their second might have been offside but there are no excuses and we have to move on to the next game.”